The Kerlan Collection contains over 100 years of children’s picture book history. Join us on a journey that takes you from the iconic W.E.B. Du Bois’ Brownies’ Book to the Caldecott Award-winning Snowy Day to the work of Ezra Jack Keats Award recipients. For the first time, the Kerlan will exhibit contemporary Minnesota Native American […]
This winter, immerse yourself in the beauty and wisdom of Dakota culture at a one-of-a-kind event celebrating traditional teachings, storytelling, and innovative artistry. This vibrant gathering will feature a Native art market showcasing incredible Indigenous creations, stunning snow sculptures, and free coloring pages that highlight Dakota plant knowledge. Enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, sledding, and a live demonstration of traditional Dakota snowshoe craftsmanship using ash trees. Experience the ingenuity of Dakota practices with a nettle cordage demonstration and marvel at the captivating augmented reality of Wazíya, the winter wind spirit, brought to life through cutting-edge technology.
Our day begins with a Nibi Water Walk & Ceremony led by Sharon Day, starting at the pavilion and following the winding path of Battle Creek. Together, we walk in prayer—to honor the water, to raise awareness, and to carry hope for its protection. After the walk, join artists Marlena Myles and Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wíŋ, alongside special guests, for a powerful gathering that blends Dakota ancestral teachings with modern Indigenous expression. Embrace the spirit of Yaŋpá the Spring-Wind through outdoor activities that celebrate the new dawn, a new year, and our shared hopes for a healthy future.
Join us as we welcome the return of Okáǧa, the fertile & invigorating Dakota Summer-Wind of the South, with a community celebration grounded in Dakota teachings and creative expression. Featuring flute music by Dakota Wind Goodhouse, music performance by Jackie Bird, and a guided Dakota plant walk
This walk invites participants to experience the landscape through a Dakota lens, learning how each plant carries knowledge, sustains life, and reflects the values of balance, reciprocity, and respect that are central to the Dakota way of life.
September 28th from 11am-12pmPrimal Flow (Yoga) with Victoria Marie Reconnect with your body, breath, and inner power through a revitalizing session of mindful movement in nature with Victoria Marie. Surrounded by the calming sounds and sights of the outdoors, this practice invites you to slow down, release stress, and restore your sense of balance and […]
Uncover the colors of the earth and plants with us. We will explore the process of making watercolor from pipestone, as I share a live demonstration of how it is created. You will also see and learn about items made with plant dyes, with samples available to view and experience
September 28th from 12-1pmLiving Waters with Tammy Villegas Explore the living heartbeat of Battle Creek as we investigate the health of its waters together. Through hands-on discovery, we’ll observe the fish, insects, and other aquatic life that call the creek home, learning how pollution and other factors have impacted this ecosystem and what these species […]
Join artists Marlena Myles and Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wíŋ with special guests for a community celebration of Éya, the transformative Autumn Wind of the West. Featuring Botanical Cyanotypes printmaking with Aiyana Kline & Courtney Cochran and Weaving with Cattails with Ella Robertson. Rooted in Dakota teachings, this gathering honors the spirit of endings and renewal with the mighty yet good-natured West Wind. Together we'll share art, stories, and joy in cultural renewal.